PLACERVILLE, Calif. – Set to enter year five under the Russell Motorsports Inc. banner, the Placerville Speedway has released its schedule of events for the upcoming 55th season of competition.
The season fires-off with the return of the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV Motorsports Network during the Gold Strike Stampede on March 7. The ASCS National Tour last visited Placerville Speedway in 2012.
Sixteen weekly point races will be held throughout the season, with points paying divisions comprised of Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Limited Late Models, Pure Stocks and Mini Trucks. Last season saw Andy Forsberg, Ray Trimble, Nick Baldwin and Ryan Murphy bring home track championships in their respective classes. The weekly action will open on March 21 and concludes on Sept. 19.
The popular Marcel Cassulo Classic featuring both the Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards, and the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu 410 Sprint Car Series returns on June 6.
The Sprint Car Challenge Tour will also open their fourth season of action at Placerville Speedway during the Spring Fever Frenzy on March 28, while the King of the West-NARC Series returns to the track for the Gold Country Showdown during a special Wednesday showcase on Aug. 26.
Continuing to gain steam the fourth annual Nor-Cal Posse Shootout returns once again with a slight twist, as it moves to a Summer date on June 26-27. Non-sanctioned winged 360 sprint cars will headline the two-night card with more details to follow as the event gets closer. The Nor-Cal Dwarf Car Ass’n will also be in action each night at the shootout.
For the first time, the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will invade the bullring for a pair of events, with those occurring on July 11 and Oct. 10. Both shows will also be paired with the USAC Western States Midgets and Wingless BCRA Midget Lites. The Placerville fan base will also enjoy a trio of visits by the Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Tour and a pair of non-sanctioned Wingless Spec Sprint events throughout the season.
The traveling IMCA All-Star Modified Tour will also make an appearance at Placerville Speedway on April 25 for the annual Tilford Tribute. Also competing at the Tilford this year will be IMCA Sport Mods, Ltd. Late Models and Pure Stocks.
One of the more anticipated events of the season will be the second annual Elk Grove Ford Hangtown 100 in November. The USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets and USAC Western States Midgets will tackle the speedway for what is scheduled to be three exciting nights of competition, while the Wicked Energy Gum NW Focus Midgets round out the bill. Confirmation of the exact dates will be out ASAP.
Among the other special events that highlight the schedule include the 17th annual Tribute to Al Hinds on March 21, Mountain Democrat Kids Bike Night on June 13, the annual Freedom Fireworks showcase on Independence Day, the 15th annual Mark Forni Classic on July 18, Thompson’s Fan Appreciation Night on July 25, Legends Night on Aug. 8, the Carnett Clash on Aug. 15 and the Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour on Sept. 25-26.
A test and tune will be held on March 14 with the pit gate opening at noon. Cars will have track time from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the grandstands will be closed to the public. The annual championship awards banquet will occur on Dec. 12.